“It was caused during the gamre. He’s a good player Stephen. The first half I thought we were a threat and he was at the forefront of it. It’s a blow when you lose any player but I’ll just have to wait and see how his injury is

“I think there will be an x-ray and the doctor and physios will let me know what’s happening.”

Lambert was remaining philosophical about the result and insists he will keep a “level head” whether Villa win, lose or draw games this season.

“It happens,” he said. “If you’re not bang at it, that’s what can happen. We got beat. Now we pick ourselves up and go again

“It’s hard to put your finger on it. Losing Stephen was a blow because I thought he was playing really well, but there’s still no excuse for that.

“We needed the second goal. One is never enough.

“It’s important to try and keep a level head. It’s a long, long season and I’m sure there will be ups and downs but hopefully we will be okay.

“We deserved to go one-up at half-time but you have to sustain that. We will pick ourselves up now and go again. In the second half wasn’t good enough.”